Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - January 10, 2026 - Hour 1 - The Best Repair Is Not To Make One

Sometimes the best repair is the one you don’t make—and Ron explains why with a 2007 Mercury Milan that came in for a simple turn-signal problem. What looked like an easy bulb swap turns into a lesson in modern diagnostics, networked body modules (GEM/SJB), and the harsh reality of obsolete parts and programming limitations. Then Ron takes a call on a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica with an intermittent no-start and a “pop-pop” sound near the battery—plus a hood that wouldn’t even open—raising questions about cable routing, connections, possible prior damage, and whether the van has start/stop with an auxiliary battery. Plus: an F-150 slowly losing coolant with no visible leaks—Ron walks through pressure testing, dye testing, internal vs external loss, and when a sealant strategy may make sense on high-mileage trucks. And for low-mileage drivers wondering when to change oil, Ron stands by his rule: five months or five thousand miles—because an oil change is also a maintenance checkpoint, not just fresh oil. Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900 Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.